ZUS Coffee clinches breakthrough franchise win with comeback vs. Nxled

ZUS Coffee leaned on the veteran-rookie tandem of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Thea Gagate as they nailed the franchise's breakthrough win, eking out a 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 win over Nxled in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

The lefty opposite spiker Gonzaga shone with a team-high 23 points anchored on 20 attacks and three blocks alongside 12 digs while Gagate posted 16 markers built on 10 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace as they improved to 1-1.

The Thunderbelles, though, had to overcome a last-gasp comeback attempt from the Chameleons, who erased a 14-point deficit by unleashing a 7-0 rampage led by May Luna.

But ZUS Coffee found the finishing kick in Gayle Pascual, who converted the last three points for the Jerry Yee-mentored crew en route to the their first win since their establishment in February.

Pascual, a product of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, first nailed a crosscourt attack from the opposite side before she completed a combination play and a push attack for the victory.

Chiata Permentilla paced Nxled with 19 points while Lucille Almonte chipped in 12 markers as they fell to a 0-2 record.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News